19 Ways to Outsmart the Next Winter Storm With Leftovers

Jan 29, 2015

We wouldn’t wish a winter storm or the power outages that come along with them on anyone, but we’re all about making the best out of a bad situation. Once you have your emergency kit all squared away, take a peek in your fridge. These 19 wickedly delicious recipes will help take care of any leftovers and perishables you might find within, so nothing will go to waste. Too much food to take care of on your own? Talk about a great opportunity to invite nearby friends and neighbors over for the ultimate storm-prep potluck.

1. Chicken, Broccoli and Artichoke Meatballs: Use lean cooked chicken, chopped broccoli and artichoke hearts to make these hearty and healthy meatballs. Sneak a little extra veggie action on the plate by serving ’em over spaghetti squash. (via Health Starts in the Kitchen)

2. Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Hash: Tender pulled pork hash makes for one awesome meal no matter what time of day it is. Give it a go with whatever leftover meat you have on hand; it works equally well with shredded chicken and beef. (via 2Teaspoons)

3. Vanilla Ice Cream Snack Cake: Couldn’t rescue the ice cream before it melted? No worries. As long as it hasn’t spoiled, all is not lost. Use it in this super easy cake made with only five ingredients. (via Savoury Table)

4. Smokey Lentil and Sweet Potato Tacos (Vegan): Serve the lentil and sweet potato mix as a stew one night and in tacos the next. Take things to the next level by topping either dish to your heart’s content with the usual suspects: salsa, sour cream, cheese and whatever else your fridge holds. (via Vegan Richa)

5. Rice and Cheese Balls: You don’t even need to have leftover risotto around to make these cheesy arancini — a cupful of plain ol’ steamed rice is all it takes. (via Feed Your Temptations)

6. Buttermilk Bread Pudding: A great way to use up buttermilk and stale bread, this pudding drizzled with a whiskey-boosted caramel sauce makes for a wonderful dessert or breakfast. (via Swim, Eat, Repeat)

7. Leftover Turkey Congee: Made with just a turkey (or chicken) carcass, water and rice, this bowlful of comfort is the epitome of budget-friendly cooking. It’ll warm your bones up right. (via The Woks of Life)

8. Carrots and Chicken Patties: Made with a bit of this and that from the produce drawer, these patties are a great alternative to chicken nuggets and are equally kid-friendly to boot. (via Bon Appet’Eat)

9. Veggie-Packed Quiche (Paleo): Did you stock up on eggs for some serious snow day baking only to have the power threatening to go out? Not to worry. This quiche (or frittata if you make it sans crust) will take care of a whole dozen, plus a bagful of frozen spinach at the same time. (via A Clean Bake)

10. Homemade Gnocchi With Peas and Bacon: It’d be a shame to let mashed potatoes and bacon go to waste. Whip up a batch of fluffy gnocchi and enjoy the tender-crisp textural contrast in every bite. (via The Kitchen Wife)

11. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: Batter up with crushed cheddar crackers instead of boring breadcrumbs to add an extra dose of cheesiness to each fritter. (via The TipToe Fairy)

12. Pot Roast Ragu: Enjoy this rich, meltingly tender ragu spooned over pasta or polenta. You’ll want to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up every last drop. (via French Press)

13. Beer-Soaked Chili Cheese Fries: Stretch out the last bowlful of chili by serving it over beer-soaked, oven-baked potato batons. Everyone will want to get in on the loaded fry action. (via Back to Her Roots)

14. Kimchi Fried Rice (Vegetarian): Bring the heat (and flavor) to the table with every helping of this healthy, whole grain fried rice. Bonus points if you use homemade kimchi. (via This New Era)

15. Pulled Turkey Sandwiches: Are you feeling saucy? Then these sandwiches are for you. Each shred of turkey is generously coated with a homemade barbecue sauce that comes together with ingredients you already have stocked in your pantry. (via The Farmer’s Daughter)

16. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake: Get ready to clean out your cheese drawer. There are no fewer than six kinds of dairy products in this outrageously creamy baked pasta. (via The Wicked Noodle)

17. Simple Waffles With Blueberry-Cardamom Sauce (Gluten-Free): You’ll want to spoon this homemade (frozen) blueberry sauce scented with lemony cardamom over waffles, biscuits and so much more. (via Heart Beet Kitchen)

18. Green Vegetable Pesto Pizza: Got a whole bunch of green veggies to offload? Save the juice for another day and whip up this pizza that’s absolutely packed with produce (including the crust!). (via To Her Core)

19. Leftovers Grilled Cheese: Piled high with leftover slices of turkey, plus avocado, cheese, bacon and tomatoes, this pressed grilled cheese sandwich is a brilliant way to clean out the fridge. (via Brit + Co)

Share your go-to tips for preparing for and surviving a power outage below!

16 Hot Cocktails To Cozy Up With This Winter

Hot, boozy drinks are one of our favorite things when the colder months of the year roll around, so we've found a whole winter's worth of drinks to warm you up throughout all the dinner parties, outdoor excursions, and the quiet nights at home watching your favorite fall TV show. Take this time to invest in some good glassware, too, because these hot cocktails are a must-try!

Brit + Co

5-Ingredient Mulled Wine

This warm winter cocktail only uses five ingredients and is the ideal beverage for parties, winter weddings, or just for a cozy night in. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spiked Lattes

While we don’t suggest spiking your morningcoffee on the way to work, this warm cocktail just might rid you of your hangover on a lazy Sunday. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mulled Cider with Cloved Oranges

Though this cold weather drink isn’t normally spiked, a nice splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy in this cider will do the trick. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Hot Buttered Rum

If you’ve ever wondered what the Harry Potter butterbeer tastes like, we imagine it’s something like this. You don’t have to be a wizard to make this hot alcoholic beverage, though. Just remember to keep it hot in a Crock-Pot for your guests. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chai Hot Toddy

Hot chocolate and traditional toddies get a lot of play during the holidays, but don’t sleep on chai. It’s spicy, sweet, and can really liven up a party. This is a great warm cocktail for fall and winter alike. (via Brit + Co)

StableDiffusion

Easy Irish Coffee

Only 4 ingredients are required to craft this warming coffee cocktail. Just prep your favorite brew, throw some Irish whiskey and brown sugar in the mix, then top it all off with some whipped cream for added delight! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Easy Hot Toddy

This light and bright warm beverage is just the right thing to fix you up if you’re feeling sniffly. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Slow-Cooker Mulled Reisling

A pot of mulled wine in the slow cooker will make your house smell like a dreamy cinnamon-orange candle. Plus, this hot cocktail recipe just tastes uh-maze-ing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Coffee Stout

Beer and coffee are pretty much our two favorite things, and they join forces in this warm cocktail to create something totally sippable. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Goodness gracious! The gold touch on the rim and the coconut cream mound on top make this the perfect hot drink to sip on this season. Throw your favorite liqueur into this hot chocolate, and you’ll be hooked. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate

Chocolate and wine? Our two favorite things put together into one big hot winter cocktail – what could be better? (via Brit + Co)

Saveur

Warm Mulled Wine

This cinnamon-y hot drink with alcohol comes together in your slow cooker and can easily be served out of the same vessel, too. (via Saveur)

Barley & Sage

Apple Pie Moonshine Hot Toddy

This honey- and lemon-infused cocktail is the perfect solution to warm up a very cold evening. (via Barley & Sage)

Chef Bai

Irish Coffee with Cocoa Whipped Cream

This super sweet Irish coffee recipe is also dairy-free, for all to enjoy! (via Chef Bai)

A Spicy Perspective

Hot Apple Cider Wassail

The robust, sweet flavors of this hot apple cider simmer together perfectly in a slow cooker. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Half Baked Harvest

Naughty and Nice Cinnamon Toddy

Bourbon pairs nicely with cinnamon and honey to create a hot drink that lives up to its name! (via Half Baked Harvest)

What are your fave hot cocktails to stay toasty on those chilly nights? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more seasonal drink ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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SOS Gabriel Might Not Be In 'Emily In Paris' Season 5: "Not Fun Anymore"

Emily in Paris season 4 was the buzziest season yet, and for good reason. Emily's in Rome, Camille was never pregnant, and Gabriel's hair went from très hot to tragique. In addition to the viral response to Gabriel's new hair, season 4 left me pretty sad because after four years of waiting for Emily and Gabriel to get together, they almost immediately break up — and actor Lucas Bravo is just as confused as we are.

Carole Bethuel/Netflix

“The ‘sexy chef’ was very much part of me in Season 1 and we grew apart season after season because of the choices he makes and because of the direction they make him take,” Lucas Bravo told IndieWire while promoting Mélanie Laurent’s Freedom. “As they made him kind of unaware of his surroundings, of the dynamic, always victimizing and always being completely lost in translation and oblivious to anything that is happening around him and being manipulated by everyone, it kind of became not fun for me to shoot or to see a character I love so much and brought me so much, being slowly turned into guacamole. I really grew apart from him.”

Honestly it makes me really sad that a character we all love so much is becoming unrecognizable. But at the same time, it makes me feel a little bit better, because we're not the only ones who feel like Gabriel has changed. And while Lucas has done what he can to bring those early-series aspects of Gabriel back, he says "there is only so much I can do in the limits of a script.”

Netflix

“I tried for seasons to bring nuances but we don’t have much liberty on set," he continues. “It makes me question if I want to be part of Season 5…because my contract ends at Season 4. I really want to see if Gabriel gets back to his fun, cheeky, playful, alive self. Because three seasons playing melancholic, sad, depressed, and lost is not fun anymore. It’s a comedy, everybody is having fun around me, everybody is jumping around, and I’m just slowly sinking into god knows what.”

Say what now?! If Lucas Bravo leaves Emily in Paris, I truly don't know what I'd do. Gabriel is my favorite character on the show! (Or at least, early Gabriel was.) Seeing him move from 30, flirty, and thriving to someone who's consistently in the middle of an existential crisis doesn't make sense within the world of the show. And even though Lucas thinks the show has a "lack of risk," he still loves everyone involved.

“I love the show. It started everything for me. I love the show and the people in it," he says. "With saying that, I feel like I am not being nice or grateful, but when you love something you want it to be…you want the best version of it. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been frustrated with the direction by character is taking. But we’ll see where it goes. The show is not over.”

Just like the show's iconic costumes are all about expression and fun, here's hoping Emily in Paris is able to bring some life back into our favorite chef. Because if not, it sounds like we could be nearing the end of the show's most popular would-they-won't-they relationship. Fix this Netflix, I beg you!

What do you think of Lucas Bravo's dilemma? Do you miss season 1 Gabriel? Let us know in the comments and check out the latest Emily in Paris season 5 news.

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15 Winter Citrus Salad Recipes To Toss Up Now

No question, bright citruses of all kinds are one of the stars of the winter produce scene. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes dazzle the senses and give us a healthy dose of vitamin C that knows how to fight a cold naturally. This collection of 16 citrusy salads features the gem-toned fruits front and center and with selections for both breakfast and dinner, you can enjoy digging in all day long.

Kale Avocado Salad with Citrus, Pepitas, Dates & Sumac Vinaigrette

No more limp lettuce. Instead, crunchy kale blends with avocado, grapefruit, and pepitas for a yummy you'll love. The addition of juicy lemon and orange segments are a welcome one. (via Grilled Cheese Social)

Tomato, Onion, and Roasted Lemon Salad

Blanched and roasted lemons offer a sweet, fragrant twist to this juicy tomato salad. It’s a fun change of pace from the expected caprese. (via Bon Appetit)

Citrus Salad with Rosemary and Olives

Fried rosemary and olives, along with peppery arugula, offer an almost bitter counterpoint to the sweet, in-season fruit. (via The Tart Tart)

Roasted Beet, Avocado, and Orange Salad (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

A well-balanced mix of earthy, sweet and sour flavors feature heavily in this colorful salad. (via The Miniature Moose)

Pimm's Fruit Salad

If all fruit salads tasted as good as this one — enhanced by a homemade Pimm’s syrup — we’d have no trouble getting our daily allotment. (via Daily Mail)

Fresh Citrus and Cranberry Salad

Enjoy the sweet taste of sliced oranges and full cranberries that make this a citrus salad that's a perfect pre-cursor to spring! (via Better Homes and Gardens)

Chickpea & Sumac Onion Salad with Roasted Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Did someone order a tasty meal filled with chickpeas and sumac onion with roasted lemon vinaigrette drizzled on top? (via My Weekend's Cooked)

Cranberry Orange Brussels Sprout Slaw

Slaw gets a winter-ready makeover with this recipe. Instead of the usual cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts come out to play. (via Recipe Runner)

Lobster Salad with Grapefruit & Avocado

Lobster, crab and shrimp are all solid seafood choices for this tangy, fresh salad. (via Williams-Sonoma)

Orange, Avocado & Candied Pistachio Salad

Using a mix of oranges and avocado slices yields a lovely assortment of hues in mere minutes. You could stop there, but a finishing sprinkle of candied pistachios takes the dish to a whole other level. (via Every Last Bite)

Steak with Citrus and Avocados Salad

Put slices of fresh or leftover steak to use in this citrus salad for a bright, healthy meal that’s ready in minutes. (via The Organic Kitchen)

Citrus Burrata Salad

Between the crunch of pomegranate and arugula, you’ll get a ton of awesome texture in every bite of this citrus salad, no croutons required. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Israeli Salad of Oranges and Black Olives

If you’re looking for something more out of the ordinary, this is it. Featuring briny olives and spicy harissa, this is a citrus salad unlike any other. (via Joy of Kosher)

Citrus Salad

A cinnamon-yogurt dressing is served on the side, making this a great make-ahead item for your next brunch. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

Tangy rounds of spicy, fried goat cheese work brilliantly with candied Meyer lemons and tender greens. An especially fab salad for the transition from winter to spring. (via How Sweet Eats)

How do you enjoy winter citrus most of all? Share your preferences and recipes below.

This post has been updated,

Header image via Every Last Bite

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See Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie Reunite In The 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' Teaser Trailer

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton #TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Watch The Trailer For 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore'

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- YouTube

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This post has been updated.

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These 15 Friendsgiving Recipes Are Easy, Affordable, and BFF-Approved

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

Brit + Co

Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

Brit + Co

Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

Brit + Co

Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

Brit + Co

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

This post has been updated.

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